Meet the 2025 Winner: Anthony J. Fischer, MD, PhD
Anthony John “Tony” Fischer, MD, PhD grew up on farm near Neola, Iowa. He studied Chemistry at Iowa State University before receiving MD and PhD degrees from the University of Iowa. He received a PhD in genetics and performed his thesis research in Paul McCray’s laboratory. In Dr. McCray’s lab, he studied gene expression in the airway surface epithelium and submucosal glands and the interaction of respiratory epithelial cells with viruses including RSV and Adenovirus. He completed his residency in pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. As a resident at CHP, he received the A. Vincent Londino award for outstanding teaching and the Primary Care award. He returned to Iowa for his pediatric pulmonology fellowship. His work with Mike Welsh’s lab helped reveal the structural composition of airway mucus, the heterogeneity of mucociliary transport in the mammalian airway, the abnormalities of mucociliary transport in cystic fibrosis, and potential treatment approaches for CF. As a young faculty member, Dr. Fischer developed a strong interest in Staphylococcus aureus infections in CF. In a cohort study, he showed that contrary to common assumption, S. aureus infections persist in CF even in the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. His lab analyzed S. aureus infections from people with CF and identified subtypes of S. aureus associated with worse clinical outcomes. He has mentored scientists at all stages of training, several of whom have won research awards as Undergraduates, Medical Students, and Fellows. Dr. Fischer was recently selected as division director for Pediatric Pulmonology at the University of Iowa. He maintains a steadfast commitment to improving the respiratory health of children through research, teaching, and advocacy.
Description
The Pediatrics Assembly is pleased to announce the Robert B. Mellins, M.D. Outstanding Achievement Award, given to a candidate at the Instructor, Assistant Professor, or early Associate Professor level, who is recognized for achievement in scholarship or research achievements over the course of their career to date.
Criteria
- The candidate should be recognized for making seminal contributions to the science or practice of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine.
- The candidate should be recognized by their peers as an outstanding clinician and/or researcher, teacher and mentor.
- Contributions to the Pediatric Assembly in the form of Committee participation or Chairmanship will be viewed favorably.
- Candidates in Pediatric Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Neonatal Medicine all will be considered.